Middle Lake, Wisconsin, USA

Also known as: Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderdale Chain of Lakes

Middle Lake is a 259-acre lake in the center of the Lauderdale Lakes chain. The three-lake chain (Green Lake, Middle Lake, and Mill Lake) covers 807 acres total and provides residents and visitors of Walworth County, Wisconsin, with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Middle Lake and the majority of the lakes in Walworth County are the results of glaciers. During the ice age, a gigantic river of ice moved slowly down from Canada and across Wisconsin. As the glaciers passed through the area, they created thousands of lakes and springs. All the water in the lakes flows through Mill Lake to the outflow located on the eastern shore and into Honey Creek. Although Honey Creek is small and slow moving today, early surveyors described it as a swift moving creek with a rapid current. A dam constructed on the creek in the mid 1800s helped raise the water level of the lakes.

Accommodations on Middle Lake and the surrounding lakes are plentiful. Visitors can choose to stay at lakefront resorts, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds or cabins. Vacation rentals can also be found in the nearby towns of La Grange, Abells Corners and Elkhorn. Real estate for purchase can also be found around the lakes.

Visitors to Middle Lake and the Lauderdale Lakes chain have more than 800 acres of sparkling water to explore, plus several small islands. Because the lakes are connected, boaters and paddlers can make their way around 16 miles of meandering shoreline. Fishing in the lakes is excellent with large populations of northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. A public boat ramp on the southwest shore of Middle Lake grants visitors access to the wide open water.

When it comes to recreation, visitors and year-round residents have many choices. Middle Lake is located just 15 minutes north of beautiful 5,262-acre Lake Geneva where activities and festivals are abundant. Concerts and performance arts are a regular occurrence at West Lake Geneva, and a summer triathlon draws many visitors each year. Cruise boats of all kinds make their way around the lake and offer a great way to enjoy the water. Lake Geneva also offers additional opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and unlimited water sports.

Northwest of Middle Lake, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest covers over 20,000 acres of glacial hills, lakes, and wooded forests. Visitors to the forest can camp in one of three campgrounds, hike, mountain bike, ride a horse, snowmobile or ski on over 160 miles of trails, swim at one of two beaches, backpack to an overnight shelter on the Ice Age Trail, have a picnic, fish, hunt, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.

Golfers visiting Middle Lake need look no further than Mill Lake. The local country club is a regulation nine-hole golf course on the eastern shore of Mill Lake. The golf course encompasses 45 scenic acres and features a rustic clubhouse with a full bar and snacks.

When the snow begins to fall, winter activities on Middle Lake keep the area busy. Snowmobile enthusiasts will discover an outstanding network of groomed trails through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, and the rolling terrain of the area offers a variety of challenges for both beginner and experienced cross country skiers. Ice fishing and skating are also popular lake activities. Most vacation rentals are available year-round and feature cozy fireplaces.

For your next vacation or permanent residence, consider Middle Lake or any of the tucked-away bays in the Lauderdale Lakes chain. Whether your interest is great fishing, recreational activities, or just to enjoy the natural splendor of the terrain, Middle Lake is definitely worth the trip. Crystal clear lakes and wooded trails offer a myriad of opportunities for year-round recreation in the scenic beauty of southern Wisconsin.